DeKalb County School District leaders today announced a $955 million budget for the coming school year, an 8.7 percent increase over last year, with increases for curriculum and instruction as well as teacher recruitment and retention.

Superintendent Steve Green said money is included for an in-house curriculum overhaul.

The 2016-2017 fiscal year begins July 1.

Green has said several times during the school year that keeping the district’s best teachers is a priority in his plan to address curriculum and instruction.

Chief Financial Officer Michael Bell said $870,000 was allocated for signing bonuses for new teachers. Another $2.9 million was allocated for retention bonuses for current teachers. The teachers would receive $500 for signing contracts to teach during the upcoming school year. A 3 percent salary increase for all teachers also is in the budget.

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Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

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